INDIANAPOLIS – The No. 3 ranked University of Wisconsin-Parkside wrestling team continued their strong performance on Sunday at the 45th Annual Midwest Classic, hosted by the University of Indianapolis. The Rangers secured the team title in a field featuring six top-10 ranked teams and 21 teams in the top 25. The Rangers had standout performances across the board, with seven wrestlers earning spots on the podium, including individual championships by Cayden Henschel (141 lbs) and Jalen Spuhler (149 lbs). The title is the fifth all-time for the Rangers at the Midwest Classic and the 147 team points are the most Parkside has ever scored at the tournament.
 
Leading the way for Wisconsin-Parkside were Cayden Henschel (141 lbs) and Jalen Spuhler (149 lbs), both of whom claimed individual championships. Henschel secured the top spot after a thrilling 3-2 decision over No. 5 ranked Christian Small of Lake Erie, while Spuhler took the title with a 4-1 decision over No. 5 ranked Dean Noble of Western Colorado.
 
How it happened:

• Cayden Henschel (141 lbs): No. 3 ranked Henschel continued his dominance with victories over No. 15 ranked Brock Durbin (Ashland) and No. 4 ranked Ronan Schuelke (McKendree) in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, before clinching the championship with a 3-2 win in the finals against No. 5 ranked Christian Small.
• Jalen Spuhler (149 lbs): No. 4 ranked Spuhler showcased his all-around skills, beginning with a dominant 11-1 major decision over Trae Thilmony (UMary) in the quarterfinals, followed by a fall in the semifinals against No. 3 ranked Dylan Brown (Central Oklahoma). He wrapped up his title run with a 4-1 victory in the finals over No. 5 ranked Dean Noble.
• Ben Durocher (157 lbs): No. 3 ranked Durocher battled through a tough tournament to secure a 3rd-place finish. After suffering a tough loss in the quarterfinals, he rallied with several key victories, including a sudden victory win over No. 10 ranked John Ridle (Central Missouri) in the 3rd-place match.
• Reece Worachek (184 lbs): No. 3 ranked  Worachek opened Sunday with a decision win (4-3) over No. 10 ranked Colter Bye (Upper Iowa). He then earned a spot in the finals with a dominant major decision in the semifinals over No. 14 ranked Keegan Gehlhausen (Chadron State) but ultimately fell short in the finals, finishing as the tournament's runner-up after a tough 8-0 loss to No. 2 ranked Matt Weinberg (Kutztown).
• Matthew Chi (133 lbs): No. 8 ranked Chi fought hard throughout the tournament, bouncing back from a tough loss in the quarterfinals. He had three tough battles through the consolation rounds, including a decision victory over No. 4 ranked Peter Rolle (Central Oklahoma). His resilience earned him a 5th-place finish after a medical forfeit win in the 5th-place match.
• Chase Stegall (197 lbs): Stegall also battled through the consolation bracket, earning a 5th-place finish after several hard-fought victories, including a 19-3 tech fall over No. 15 ranked Lucas Salmon (Tiffin) in the 5th-place match.
• Lloyd Reynolds (285 lbs): No. 7 ranked Reynolds placed 6th, with a thrilling sudden victory win in the quarterfinals over Kale Schrader (Newberry). However, a tough run through the consolation bracket saw him drop his final two matches, finishing in 6th place.
• Shane Corrigan (125lbs): No. 4 ranked Corrigan went 0-2 on Sunday, but came home with four important team points that helped propel Parkside to the team victory.
• Dajun Johnson (165lbs): No. 15 ranked Johnson went 0-1 on Sunday, but also came home with important points for Parkside, earning seven for the tournament.

 
The Rangers will return to dual action on Thursday December 19^th. Parkside will head to Minot, North Dakota to take on Minot State University. The opening bout is scheduled to begin at 7:00pm. Links to coverage can be found at ParksideRangers.com/coverage.